The German Football Association (DFB) has rejected the allegations of “racism and disrespect” raised by star midfielder Mesut Ozil.
“We emphatically reject the DFB being linked to racism,” the DFB said in a statement. “The DFB has been very involved in integration work in Germany for many years.”
Earlier, Ozil on Sunday said he would no longer play for the national team because he faced “racism and disrespect” due to his Turkish roots, reports Reuters.
Ozil, who plays for English club Arsenal, said DFB President Reinhard Grindel had blamed him for Germany’s poor performance at this year’s World Cup, considering him a German when the side won and an immigrant when they lost.